Television shows depicting an interpretation of a future society often focus on modes of travel to show the tech savyness that we will not be able to enjoy (or regret). Movies and TV shows such as The Fifth Element and Buck Rogers are two examples where the typical mode of transportation are floating cars and interstellar space craft capable of intense speeds.
Similarly, Cartoons depicting a future setting perhaps more interestingly and famously show how travel will be done in the not-so-distant future. George Jetson with his 'space craft folding into a briefcase' and Rocket Robinhood with his iconic rocket jetpack are but two examples of how author's believe we will be travelling in the near future.
Given that the Buck Rogers and Rocket Robinhood realities take place in the 25th Century and 'Astounding year 3000', respectively, it would seem that some intermediary steps from pimped out Honda Civic to a briefcase car 'a la' George Jetson, would be needed. So what can we expect cars to be able to do in the next 25 years?
To help us consider this question, it might be worthwhile to investigate how cars have evolved over the last 25 years, with a view to extrapolating what we can expect cars to be able to do in the not-so-distant future. This Blog will focus on how some computer and electronic gadgets have influenced automobile technology interms of 'human and car' interface (i.e. how can a driver exercise their autonomy within the car other than just driving it?).
Well, 25 years ago (1983) what would a driver expect to see in the average car in terms of 'computer gadgets' which would enhance the driver's interface with the car...not much. You would see a couple of cup holders, maybe an AM/FM radio, and if you upgraded, a tape player. Well, what about 10 years ago (1998)? Again, you would find the cupholders, an AM/FM radio with dual tape deck and/or CD player, and if you upgraded, remote keyless entry. How about 5 years ago (2003)? You would see that the AM/FM radio still exists, but the tape player has gone by the wayside in favour of the CD player. Remote keyless entry is now the standard and in some cases (if you upgrade) remote car starters can be installed. But wait, there is more! In some car models such as the Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic, there is an optional auxilary input where you can connect something called an iPod (tongue clearly in cheek). This auxilary input only allows you to play your mp3 songs over the car stereo, but does not allow you to control your iPod via the car stereo dials. Now, consider what a driver would expect to see in the average car in the year 2008. Well, in terms of entertainment, a car would still have the AM/FM stereo with CD but the auxilary input for mp3 devices such as an iPod are standard. As an upgrade a driver could have a satellite radio installed instead of the AM/FM unit. In terms of keyless remotes, all cars come with a keyless entry remote, and in some models such as the Nissan Altima and Maxima, keyless engine starters are the norm. In some luxury cars such as the Acura TLS a driver would also expect to see a touch screen which allows you to locate any address and get turn by turn 'audio' and 'map' detailed directions to your selected destination. As an upgrade, the driver would also get a camera in their licence plate, which allows you to 'reverse' drive with ease. Again, also as an upgrade, a car could be equipped with bluetooth technology (http://www.bluetooth.com/bluetooth/)which would permit the driver to speak on their cellphone using the car's audio system (hands free).Given all these changes to driver-car interface over the last 25 years, it can be observed that the manner in which a driver could interact with the car, when driving, has gone from humble cup holders and AM/FM radio, to the more sophisticated bluetooth technology and touch screen maps.
Here is where I allow my imagination to take over and dream about what types of gadgets a driver would expect to see in the average car, 25 years from now.
Well, clearly the car stereo will be upgraded. Unfortunately the AM/FM stereo may go the way of the tape player. Replaced in favour of Satellite radio or Internet radio. Similarly the CD player and auxilary input for mp3 players will likewise be changed in favour of iPod touches which can be inserted and instantly integrated as THE car stereo. That is, there will be no need for any other buttons or dials in the car except for your personal digital assistant (PDA). This futuristic PDA will act not only as your car's radio, but it will also be your car's keyless remote and car starter. Simply walk up to your car door with your PDA, lift the handle, and a signal will be sent thereby unlocking your car. Simply place your PDA in the slot provided on your dashboard and a signal is sent to your engine removing the safety locks. Press a button and voila, your car is started for you.
This PDA will be the nexus between driver and car. Each driver will have their own PDA which has presets such as 'car seat distance', favourite destinations, favourite stations, and so on.
Perhaps, as an upgrade of course, your PDA will speak to you via a holographic image, reciting your appointments for the day or gladly typing out any e-mail or recording and sending your podcasts (we will be communicating with mp3 or mp4 in our 'inbox').
The future of driver-car interface will fit in the palm of our hand. It will be the norm in a society which will be increasingly dependent on computer devices. But the one thing which will remain constant in driver-car interface technology will be the mighty cupholder. Where else will a futuristic citizen put their favourite cafe latte in the year 2033?
